Customs seizes misdeclared, overstaying goods at MICP

The Bureau of Customs has seized P12.9-million worth of misdeclared and overstaying goods at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

Customs agents seized P5.4 million of yellow onions and fresh potatoes in three abandoned container vans shipped from China.

The shipments arrived at the port on Dec. 8, 2017, consigned to ZIDP Trading, and declared as fresh apples, but lacked the necessary permits from the Bureau of Plant Industry, the bureau said on Monday.

The BOC also seized shipments from Korea which arrived on Nov. 29, 2017. The shipments were declared as assorted wearing apparel, but were actually used clothing—banned under Republic Act 4653.

The BOC also found P2 million of Chunghua soft cigarettes inside an overstaying cargo from Korea, which arrived on Sept. 30, 2017. The shipment was consigned to Maxafrica Mfg. Pvt. Ltd. It was not able to present the necessary permits.

Other smuggled goods included motorbikes, valued at P500,000, but misdeclared as compressors and water pumps from Japan. The shipment arrived on Sept. 22, 2017, and was consigned to Japare International Trading.

The BOC also seized P4 million of onions that arrived from China on Sept. 15, 2017, consigned to Kavin Shipping Ltd.

“This is a good way to start the year. How our bureau personnel conduct their jobs and the available technology we have, the X-rays—this is a good combination to safeguard our ports and consumers and even legitimate traders from smuggled products,” BOC Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said.

“This year, the BOC will really give the smugglers their most difficult time,” he said. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/VDS, GMA News